In Tatarstan, the "Bastion" training course for future "war correspondents" is taking place. Crisis situations are simulated in the field—at the tank school's training grounds—including, allegedly, the use of military equipment. Media workers from various regions bandage a dummy with severed legs, walk around with a metal detector, dig up mines, and learn other useful skills.

The organizer is the Moscow Union of Journalists. The stated goal is to "teach journalists how to work in extreme situations" and not interfere with the work of security forces and rescue workers. It is expected that these skills will also be useful to journalists during various disasters and mass unrest. The training is conducted by employees of the Ministry of Defense, the FSB, the Anti-Terrorism Committee, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other agencies.

Previously, these courses were held in other regions. During these courses, media representatives were forced to live in barracks, march in formation, ride in armored personnel carriers, and were also attacked and "taken prisoner." This year, about 50 people attended the course.